15 Tips To Prepare You For Your Breast Lift Procedure

Are you thinking about receiving a breast lift? If so, then you’ll want to keep these expert tips in mind– they will help prepare you for your procedure:

1. Work Your Core Muscles

Being physical and exercising prior to your surgery is important, but try to focus the most attention on your core muscles. This includes your abs and lower back. Having a strong core is crucial to recuperating post-surgery. You can strengthen your abdominal muscles with the performance of exercises like crunches and planks. Crunches target your abs, while planks strengthen your entire core– in the long run, these muscles will help your body’s endurance during recovery.

2. Consult With Dr. Golosow

Before you go in for your procedure, it is essential to speak with Dr. Golosow about your goals and desires. Be honest with her about any concerns you have, and ask any questions you have on your mind. Dr. Golosow will ensure you are completely confident about going through with your surgery. Additionally, a consultation with Dr. Golosow will ensure your candidacy for the procedure. If there are any other procedures Dr. Golosow believes may better match your goals, she will recommend and explain them.

3. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle Prior To Surgery

Weeks before going in for your breast lift procedure, make sure you adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can do this by exercising regularly, eating healthy, and staying properly hydrated. Ideally, you want to stick to well-balanced meals. Living a healthy lifestyle will help you recover quicker– not only that, but your operation will go much smoother.

4. Quit Tobacco And Alcohol

Quit alcohol and tobacco a few weeks prior to the procedure. Tobacco products and alcohol can reduce blood flow, increasing surgical risks and slowing down recovery. Furthermore, you’ll put yourself at risk of experiencing discomfort, bruising, and swelling, if you choose to continue to consume such products before surgery and during recovery.

5. Quit Using Blood Thinning Medications

Prior to your breast lift surgery you’ll want to quit taking blood thinning medications. If you’re taking anything that contains either ibuprofen or aspirin, then make sure you stop using them. The chances are you’ll be given different medications prior to your surgery. Medications you might be given may help you reduce the risk of bleeding. You should also avoid consuming herbs and vitamins that can cause your blood to thin. If you’re unsure of what should be avoided, then speak with Dr. Golosow.

6. Start Sleeping On Your Back

After your breast lift, you’ll be encouraged to sleep on your back– this is the most comfortable position to sleep in post-operation. However, if you do not normally sleep on your back, the transition can be difficult, especially when your body is already uncomfortable. To avoid this, you should start sleeping on your back before your procedure day. By the time you’re ready for surgery, you’ll have no problems getting a good night’s rest on your back.

7. Get Your Errands Out The Way

An often overlooked tip that really benefits, in the long run, is to be proactive and get any errands out the way in advance. Do you need shopping done? How about any comfort items? If so, then do your shopping and grab those items before your breast lift. You may also want to prepare some meals ahead of time.

8. Fill Prescriptions Beforehand

The surgeon will provide you with prescriptions prior to your surgery. It’s a good idea to fill them within a week of your procedure. When the time comes that you need them, you’ll be thankful to have them on hand right away.

9. Night Before: Wash Thoroughly

The night before your procedure, you’ll want to thoroughly wash your breasts and chest. This may sound like basic advice, but it is essential to do because it’ll reduce your risk of developing an infection. Also, don’t wear jewelry or makeup when you arrive for the procedure.

10. Follow Instructions

During your consultation with Dr. Golosow, you’ll be given instructions to follow. These are known as pre-op instructions, which are tailored to your specific needs. These instructions will contain important details, such as exercises to perform, dietary restrictions, and what to avoid.

11. Wear Clothing That Is Comfortable

On the day of your breast lift, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing. This includes a baggy/loose-fitting shirt, sweat pants, or other pieces of clothing that are easy to take off and put on. Remember, after your surgery, you will not be able to place your arms up in the air, which means putting on a tight shirt will be extremely difficult compared to a loose shirt.

12. Have A Way To Get Home

After the procedure has been completed, you’ll need a ride to get you home. Try to arrange this prior to your surgery– you may also want to consider asking someone to remain with you for a full 24 hours after the completion of your breast lift. This period will be the most painful point of your recovery, so a caretaker will make a huge difference.

13. Stay Calm And Relax

Believe it or not, a lot of people get extremely nervous and anxious prior to their surgery. This is actually natural, but the key to battling those emotions is to remain as calm and relaxed as possible. A few things you can do include taking deep breaths, meditating, thinking positive thoughts, and getting plenty of sleep. If you have any questions or concerns that are causing you to become anxious, then speak with your surgeon right away.

14. Consider Childcare Arrangements

It’s a good idea to make arrangements for childcare for up to a week after the breast lift procedure. This is especially advisable for those who have young kids who need to be lifted up throughout the day. Remember, you can’t lift your arms over your head, and lifting your child/children throughout the day can put you at risk of injuring yourself.

15. Get Plenty Of Sleep

The final tip is to get plenty of rest prior to your surgery. During and after surgery you’ll deal with various types of stresses. If your body is well rested, then it will be able to handle those stresses, as well as recover faster from the procedure.

Where to Have Your Breast Lift

Lorraine Golosow, MD, located in Fort Myers, is equipped with advanced technology and incorporates the latest treatments in the industry. Dr. Lorraine’ Golosow has extensive experience performing plastic surgeries, including breast lifts. She is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. From 2002 to 2004 she served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Lee Memorial Hospital.

Are you ready to learn more about getting a breast lift? Do you have questions or concerns or would like to schedule a consultation for your procedure? If so, contact our practice today.

When To consider Having A Breast Augmentation Versus A Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a popular procedure to increase the size and improve the appearance of your breasts. Breast implants are either placed under the breasts (sub-mammary) or under the pectoralis muscle (subpectoral). Women can choose the size and shape of their implants and can decide whether saline or silicone implants are best for them. Implants come in different profiles depending on the width of a woman’s chest and their desired shape of cleavage. 

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift improves the appearance of breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple. This allows sagging and pendulous breasts to be lifted, feel firmer and look more youthful.

Which procedure is best for me?

Breast Augmentation Alone

If your breasts are not drooping and the nipple is at or above the inframammary fold (the crease below the breast) then an augmentation is the procedure you need. This will enlarge the breast or restore fullness to those who have lost volume due to pregnancy or weight loss. 

Breast lift (Mastopexy) Alone

If your breast are drooping and the nipple is below the inframammary fold then a breast lift is the procedure to consider. An implant alone will not lift a breast. It simply restores volume. The implant will sit at the inframammary fold and higher so without a lift a droopy breast will still be pendulous. If a woman doesn’t want to be larger, then a breast lift alone is what she needs. 

Combined Augmentation and Breast lift

If the desire is to be lifted and larger, then a combination breast lift (mastopexy) and an augmentation is the procedure of choice. This is often done at the same surgery but sometimes is staged, doing one procedure first and the other at another time.  

Schedule A Consultation

Have you decided which one is right for you? Or perhaps both is what you’re looking for? Whatever your decision, scheduling a consultation with Lorraine Golosow, MD is a great next step. Dr. Golosow can walk you through each procedure and then come up with a treatment

Why should you consider having a breast lift (mastopexy)?

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure that lifts up and changes the shape of the breast. Excess  skin is removed, and the nipple is raised to a more youthful position. The type of breast lift required  depends on the degree of drooping which is referred to as ptosis in medical terms. 

Why is a breast lift done?

AGING

Breasts change with age and become less firm. The skin becomes less elastic, meaning that it doesn’t snap back after being stretched. A breast lift restores a youthful shape to the breast. 

WEIGHT LOSS

Although losing weight is often desirable, reduced breast volume can often lead to sagging. Looking good in a bathing suit or clothing may be more difficult. 

PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, the breasts become heavier causing the ligaments to stretch. When breast volume returns to normal the breasts may look less youthful. Waiting until childbearing is over might be the best option so that the operation doesn’t need to be repeated. 

RELIEF FROM BACK AND NECK PAIN

When breasts are heavy and pendulous, it places extra pressure on the shoulders and neck. Bra straps may then dig into the shoulders causing painful or unattractive grooving. Lifting the breasts is helpful and can also be combined with breast reduction

DESIRE TO GO WITHOUT A BRA

Sometimes an outfit is difficult to wear with a bra in place. Having a  breast lift helps restore a more youthful position and shape to the breast. 

DESIRE TO INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Large and pendulous breasts make running and other aerobic activities more difficult. Performing a lift with a breast reduction will result in lighter more comfortable breasts that have better support. 

ALLEVIATE SKIN IRRITATION AND RASHES

Having pendulous breasts can often lead to skin irritations and even yeast infections. This is especially problematic in warmer climates. A breast lift (mastopexy) is a  great way to help treat this annoying problem. 

DESIRE TO FEEL MORE CONFIDENT

Every woman wants to feel good about their body and look nice in clothing. A breast lift might accomplish this in some women. To learn more about this procedure 

Schedule A Consultation

Does a breast lift sound like the right option for you? The next step is to schedule a consultation with Lorraine Golosow, MD. Dr. Golosow and our experienced team can walk you through each step of the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Fort Myers or Cape Coral office or use our online scheduling form.

When to Consider a Breast Lift

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and tissue from the breasts and repositioning the nipples higher on the chest. It can also involve reshaping the breasts to improve symmetry and overall appearance. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with other breast enhancement surgeries like breast augmentation or breast reduction.

Why Have A Breast Lift?

There are many reasons patients have a breast lift, including:

Sagging Breasts

One of the most common reasons women consider a breast lift is due to sagging or drooping breasts. These can occur due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Breast lift surgery can help restore the shape and position of the breasts.

Nipple Position

If your nipples point downward or below the breast crease, a breast lift can reposition them higher on the chest and improve their appearance.

Breast Symmetry

If your breasts are asymmetrical, a breast lift can help improve the symmetry of both of your breasts by reshaping and repositioning them.

Breast Lift Results & Recovery

The results of a breast lift are typically long-lasting, but the procedure does not stop the natural aging process. Over time, gravity can cause the breasts to sag again. To help maintain the results of the surgery for a longer period of time, try to maintain a stable weight, keep a good posture,  and wear a supportive bra.

Recovery from a breast lift typically takes several weeks. Patients may experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Most patients can return to work within a week but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks. The final results of the surgery may not be apparent for several months as the breasts heal and settle into their new position.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery is recommended for women with sagging or drooping breasts due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. To be considered a good candidate for breast lift surgery, you should meet the following requirements:

  • Have good overall health
  • Be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery
  • Have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery
  • Be at a stable weight
  • Have reasonable skin elasticity

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering breast lift surgery, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lorraine Golosow by calling our office or using our online form.

During the consultation, Dr. Golosow will evaluate your medical history, do a physical examination, and discuss your goals, options, and expectations for surgery. She will then provide detailed instructions on how to get ready for the surgery and what to expect during recovery.

Your Guide to Breast Surgery in Fort Myers, FL

In the U.S., an estimated 8 women out of 1,000 have had some form of breast implant surgery. 60% of the women undergoing breast augmentation have done so for cosmetic reasons. So, if you’re considering breast surgery, you’re not alone. There are many different breast surgery options available, despite the popularity of breast augmentation. Here’s what to know about your options and how your board-certified plastic surgeon can help.

The Different Types of Breast Surgeries

If you’re unsatisfied with your breasts, then there are many different options with many different goals. Dr. Golosow can recommend the best option for you during your consultation, including options like:

During your consultation with Dr. Golosow, you’ll discuss your goals for breast surgery. Dr. Golosow will help you understand the different options open and what you can expect from your customized surgical plan.

Are You a Candidate for Breast Surgery?

If you think you’re a good candidate for breast surgery, you should pursue it for the right reasons. Breast surgery of any form is a personal choice and should not be done for the gratification of others. Other factors you should consider are:

  • Your physical health
  • Whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (or plan to be in the future)
  • The development of your breasts
  • Why you’re dissatisfied with the look of your breasts

Having Realistic Expectations

Taking breast augmentation as an example, you should have realistic expectations for surgery. This includes factors like the final results, outcomes, and recovery period. It’s also important to hear your plastic surgeon’s recommendations for additional procedures to achieve the results you want. For example, simply adding implants will not lift your breasts without the use of a breast lift. Plastic surgeons often complete a breast lift at the same time as an augmentation, so Dr. Golosow can recommend your best options.

No matter what type of breast surgery you decide upon. Dr. Golosow aims to help you improve your self-confidence and boost your self-image. Transforming your confidence in your body can have many positive impacts, so it’s important to partner with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you mitigate the risks.

How to Prepare for Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Regardless of the type of surgical procedure you decide is right for you, you should be prepared physically and mentally for surgery. In the days leading up to your surgery, you should be sure to follow Dr. Golosow’s detailed instructions to prepare. Blood-thinning agents, such as Aspirin and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, should be avoided. Avoiding recreational drugs and nicotine will improve your overall health and help you heal as well. Finally, make sure to follow instructions for fasting before your surgery and arranging for transport home afterward.

Schedule a Consultation

Each type of breast surgery is complicated and should be undertaken by a board-certified surgeon. To discuss your goals with Dr. Golosow, schedule a consultation at our Fort Myers-area locations. Contact us by calling or filling out our online contact form.